THE UK's first community-run rock pub is celebrating a successful three months of trading and surpassing the expectations of its loyal members.

The Sir Charles Napier in Blackburn town centre was set up as a social enterprise earlier this year.

After receiving the keys just six months ago in June, the seven directors behind the venue ordered a revamp before the doors were officially opened by Judas Priest's Rob Halford on September 17.

Alex Martindale, one of the directors, who organises live music at the venue, said he was really pleased with their progress so far.

He said: "It's gone beyond expectations, we're busy almost every weekend.

"I think we opened at the right time, we've had some phenomenal nights.

"People don't want to go to just another pub.

"You get a lot of problems with some places, there are things people get distrustful of.

"But a community pub has that accountability. We've got the directions to implement what the customers want.

"People love the service. It's the community coming together to serve others. It's a thing of beauty for the whole community."

The venue in Limbrick is managed Nick Brown, from Save The Napier, a community interest company formed to take over the pub.

The group originally campaigned to keep the pub open after owner Thwaites, closed the pub in June 2015.

Money from investors, kickstarter backers, fundraising events and grants from Blackburn with Darwen Council, Bootstrap Enterprises and Plunkett Foundation have seen the purpose-built music venue return to the town's night-scene.

Over the Christmas period the venue maintained their normal opening hours and continued to put on live music, alongside adopting a Christmas menu.

They even opened on Christmas day serving festive dinners.

Mr Martindale said: "The Napier is a family pub. I know a lot of families and partners that met in the pub, they really are Napier families."

Since taking on the building in June, the former regulars have refitted the pub, turning it into a music venue and adding a kitchen for food service.

The directors at the pub believe that the success is also good news for other venues in the town centre.

Mr Martindale said: "The opening has acted as a catalyst for new business in the area.

"There has been more business in the area since we opened in the town centre, which is excellent for us.

"People are coming back into Blackburn, some excellent work is being done it is really looking good.

"The Great British High street awards brought some extra publicity to the town as well."